Discover the Baltic’s hidden gems on this 10-day tour of cosy, manageable capitals. Visit some of the oldest national parks in Europe, sandy beaches, romantic old towns, castles and manors, but also remnants of more recent, communist times in the form of brutalist architecture, KGB museums and secret bunkers.
Day 1: Riga
On your first day, explore the Latvian capital of Riga located at the mouth of the river Daugava. Go for an afternoon or evening stroll through the UNESCO-designated Old Town and Art Nouveau quarter to admire the Swedish gate, the old city wall, the House of the Blackheads and the Freedom Monument.
Days 2 & Day 3: Tallinn
Travel north to Estonia, where we recommend a stop in the charming coastal town of Pärnu, where you can take in beautiful sea views over a traditional lunch along the beachfront promenade. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Tallinn, a booming capital characterised by contrasts. Visit the unique, medieval Old Town with its beautiful old buildings and mysterious narrow streets. Admire the view from the top of Toompea hill, and visit the KGB Museum on the upper floor of Sokos Hotel Viru, from where guests and personnel were being spied on by the state security.
Days 4 & 5: Tartu
Continue inland towards Tartu with a detour at Lahemaa National Park, situated roughly 60 km east of the city. The park includes the peninsulas and bays of the northern coast of Estonia (Lahemaa means “the land of the bays“). Stop in at the traditional Palmse Manor country estate and open-air museum. The university city of Tartu is a roughly 2.5 hour drive from Lahemaa.
Day 6: Sigulda
Cross the border back into Latvia, stopping to explore the towers and dungeons of medieval Cesis Castle. Then plot your path to Gauja National Park in rural Ligatne, where – in the middle of the 90.000 hectares – a former Soviet bunker is hidden. What first appears to be a normal building is actually the entrance to a 2000 m2 world lying 9m underground. The bunker was built to house the Soviet elite in the event of a nuclear war. Embark on a journey through time and explore the dark concrete corridors and rooms on a guided tour. Finish your day in Sigulda, where you will stay the night nestled in natural surroundings.
Days 7 & 8: Vilnius
On the road to Vilnius, pay a visit to Rundale Palace in Bauska, also known as “Versailles of the Baltic States.” In the afternoon, you will arrive in the university city of Vilnius, where the baroque Old Town, the Gothic St. Anne’s Church and the Cathedral Basilica are some of the interesting sites this city has to offer.
Day 9: Riga
Before returning to Latvia, tour Trakai Castle with its fairytale setting on an island not far from Vilnius. Alternatively, a detour to the second largest city of Lithuania, Kaunas, is also worthwhile.
Day 10: Riga/Departure
A tip before you make your way to the airport and depart for home: spend a moment in Petri Church. The stunning tower views over the red roofs of Riga will leave you with lasting memories.
Saaremaa Island
Extend your Estonian stay with 2 nights on Saaremaa in a boutique hotel in the middle of Kuressaare. Rent a bike to explore this island known for its traditional wooden post windmills, and visit the famous Kaali meteor crater.
Self-drive with DFDS
As an alternative to fly-drive travel, bring along your own car on one of the daily departures from Kiel to Klaipeda with the comfortable MS Regina or MS Victoria ferries. Consider adding an extra night in Klaipeda, giving you the chance to visit the Curonian Spit bordering the Baltic Sea.
